HARARE – Former Zanu-PF Central Committee member and war veteran Blessed Geza has claimed that Kudakwashe Tagwirei, a prominent Zimbabwean businessman with extensive holdings in various sectors, including mining, agriculture, and fuel wants to be the next President of Zimbabwe through the back door.
This comes at a time when President Emmerson Mnangagwa is reportedly in a process of sidelining his ambitious Deputy Constantino Chiwenga through reshuffling of the top security leaders to avoid a coup against himself.
Just five days prior to the March 31st uprising which had been called by Geza, Mnangagwa installed Major General Emmanuel Matatu, aged 74, as the new Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA).
The appointment followed the retirement of Anselem Sanyatwe (69), who subsequently assumed the role of Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture. Sanyatwe is a close ally of Chiwenga and his demotion was a strategic move by Mnangagwa to weaken him.
Further changes within key government positions unfolded earlier this year. In January, Mnangagwa selected Fulton Mangwanya, previously leading the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, to head the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO).
This decision resulted in Isaac Moyo, a known ally of the President, stepping down from his Director-General position.
Moreover, the preceding December witnessed Stephen Mutamba’s appointment as the new Commissioner General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), succeeding Godwin Matanga.
It is speculated that these appointments were strategically made, aimed at preempting a military coup reminiscent of the November 17th, 2017 ousting of former President Robert Mugabe.
Addressing the nation on Monday evening, Geza claimed that Mnangagwa’s plan was to sideline Chiwenga and allow Tagwirei to replace him. According to reports, the plan is for Tagwirei to replace Chiwenga as Vice President before being endorsed as Mnangagwa’s successor.
The Zanu-PF Harare provincial executive this week recommended the co-option of Tagwirei into the ruling party’s Central Committee.
But Geza, who accused Tagwirei of corruption, has vowed to stop the plan which he said is being spearheaded by Mnangagwa and his wife Auxillia.
“You’re being given government companies without paying any cent. If there is any money that is being paid, it is the government that pays on your behalf. You’re greed. You’re a very toxic man.
“You’re not entering politics. Don’t undermine us. Thousands and thousands of people died for this country. And you want to be the next President. You’re being influenced by Mnangagwa and Auxillia. You want to be President through the back door. That will not happen,” Geza stated.
Geza has been calling for Mnangagwa to step down saying he had failed. He has publicly asserted his support for Chiwenga to take over from Mnangagwa. He has since called off protests against Mnangagwa saying the President’s son Sean wanted to frame for terrorism.
